◉ HEADLINES

Controversial KLIA video: Shuhaily says he is ready to ‘pay with myself’

AKPS chief says the government and Home Ministry have been informed of the incident

4:27 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain says he will leave it to the government to decide whether further action should be taken against him following a viral video of him reprimanding an individual at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1.

He said the incident arose during an enforcement operation by AKPS and KLIA Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel against a foreign tout syndicate at the airport, Bernama reported.

Mohd Shuhaily said the matter had been brought to the attention of the highest levels of government and the Home Ministry (KDN), adding that he was prepared to accept any decision made.

He also said he would leave the authorities to conduct further investigations to ensure justice for all parties.

“I have informed the highest levels of government and the ministry (KDN) about this matter.

“Whatever their decision, I will accept it because, to me, changing something comes at a price. And if that price is myself, then I will pay with myself,” he told a press conference here today.

Mohd Shuhaily said the inspection and interview involving the foreign national shown in the video were conducted solely by AKPS and KLIA AVSEC personnel, with no involvement from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) or other enforcement agencies.

He said the incident took place on Sept 28 when he and his team were inspecting AKPS preparations and readiness to receive visitors for the Formula One (F1) Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 this weekend.

“After that, AKPS and AVSEC carried out limited enforcement against a foreign tout syndicate, which led to the detention of one syndicate member. We brought the individual into the AVSEC baggage inspection room.

“I want to stress here that the enforcement involved only AKPS and AVSEC officers,” he said.

He said two unidentified individuals were subsequently seen recording the incident without his knowledge and were instructed to delete the footage.

Mohd Shuhaily said a police report was lodged against him on Sept 29, followed by another report two days later, before a clip of the incident was circulated widely on social media.

AKPS subsequently lodged its own police report, he said, amid concerns that there may have been an attempt to tarnish the agency’s and his reputation.

Asked about the motive behind the video’s dissemination, he said the matter should be left to police to investigate.

Mohd Shuhaily said the viral clip was not obtained directly from the original source, but had instead been recorded using another device before being circulated. He added that he was unaware of the original purpose of the recording.

He stressed that AKPS respected the ongoing investigation and would cooperate fully with the authorities, while urging the public against speculation and the circulation of unverified information.

Mohd Shuhaily said AKPS would continue strengthening security at the country’s entry points amid almost daily complaints and allegations of increased smuggling of prohibited items and contraband through KLIA.

“I don’t want KLIA to become like Selayang, and I don’t want to let it reach that stage,” he said, referring to issues involving foreign nationals. — October 1, 2026

Topics

 

◉ Popular

DoSM estimates Malaysia’s population to be 34.1 mil in 2024

Three states with the highest population are Selangor, Johor, Sabah

RM4,000 grant to scrap old car, buy new Proton, Perodua

Under Budget 2026, government and national car makers to provide the grant to ensure better road safety

12 hours on the road no guarantee for liveable wages, say several food delivery riders

Long working hours and cut-throat remuneration structure have been a bane for food delivery riders recently with some considering to leave their current service platform for another – or find a new job altogether.

◉ Related